Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route director for Kent said: “It’s good to see the number of incidents involving young people coming down, but far too many continue to risk their lives by taking a misguided short cut or worse, deliberately messing around on the tracks. Unlike cars, trains cannot swerve and can take the length of 20 football pitches to stop.

"Contact with electricity power lines and tracks can result in horrific injuries, burns or even death. We want to prevent such incidents and help young people find more rewarding and exciting ways to spend their free time.”

British Transport Police Inspector Ed Walton said: “BTP officers continue to work closely with Network Rail and train operating companies across the country to educate young people about the dangers of going near the railway line.

“Our message is simple: the railway is not a playground – stay safe and stay out of trouble. Every year we see people risking their lives either by careless actions, such as taking a shortcut across the tracks or by playing on or near the line.

“Anyone who messes around near the tracks is not only risking a court appearance, they are putting their lives at risk.”

The most shocking examples include:

63 incidents of objects, such as stones and bricks and even fireworks being thrown at trains

92 reports of trespass, including playing chicken and taking shortcuts

15 incidents of graffiti

laser pens being shone into the eyes of train drivers at Faversham and Westgate-on-Sea

a pellet gun fired at train at Birchington-on-Sea

young people ‘train surfing’ at Broadstairs and Minster

The whole ‘kitchen sink’ has been placed on the tracks– many causing costly damage to trains and delays to services. They include:

As the summer holidays begin, Network Rail is encouraging young people to take up more positive activities and not put themselves at risk of serious injury or worse, by taking unnecessary risks on the tracks. Its No Messin’ campaign, which works with local community groups and clubs across Britain, is fronted by world boxing champion Amir Khan.

Download the app

Follow Us

Your privacy is important to us. We want to better help you understand how and why we use your data.
You’ll continue to enjoy Heart and all of its great content and features! View our Privacy Statement for more details.